The Butterfly Effect, by Andy Andrews

Have you ever wondered if what you do day in and day out really makes a difference to the world around you? Do you seek to be purpose-driven in your work or family relationships, but then view the rest of life as hit and miss, or as of seeming insignificance?

Andy Andrews, throughout 109 colorful pages of this gift book, bases his inspiring message on the “Butterfly Effect”: “A butterfly could flap its wings and set molecules of air in motion, which would move other molecules of air, in turn moving more molecules of air—eventually capable of starting a hurricane on the other side of the planet”.

Applying this principle of cause and effect to our words and actions each day, we have the potential to alter history and powerfully impact peoples’ lives by even the smallest choices we make today.

Providing several provocative examples from the past of intertwining lives, choices made and how our world is different today as a result, Andy highlights the truth that we’ve been created with a unique purpose and that what we do with today matters, having the potential to dramatically shape unborn future generations.

A quick, motivating read Andy’s book would make a great gift for anyone who needs to be reminded of the value of the present moment and the eternal significance of their unique life’s contribution in the overall scheme of things.

The Boy Who Changed the World, by Andy Andrews

With vibrant colors splashing across each page comes the story of the boy who changed the world by inventing the seeds to grow ‘super plants’ that have helped to feed over 2 billion people over the course of time.

Was it really just one boy who altered the course of history forever through his actions? You’ll have to read the book to find out, but the message is an important one for children to embrace, that their individual lives are of great value to God and that every action they take, whether good or bad, has an impact on the lives of those around them.

As children read about the choices of former Vice President Henry Wallace, George Washington Carver (the inventor of the sweet potato), Nobel laureate Norman Borlaug and others, they will come to understand that our lives are intertwined in sometimes surprising ways with others and how God gives every person the amazing potential to change the world for good!

(Note: I reviewed these books as part of Thomas Nelson’s Blogger Review program called, Book Sneeze. In exchange, I received both books free of charge. )

Deborah Norville, well-known anchor of Inside Edition and accomplished author, speaker and journalist, brings this refreshing book about an often overlooked yet essential element to the well-being of interpersonal relationships and society as a whole: RESPECT.

Ms. Norville defines respect as “acknowledging the value and uniqueness of others and being mindful of their feelings, while at the same time trying to put myself in their position.” It all boils down to treating people like they matter.

In a world where the lack of respect is so evident in drive-by shootings, cooperate greed, teenage suicides due to bullying, graffiti-marred buildings, and broken relationships of every kind, The Power of Respect brings timely, practical wisdom on how to transform relationships and work environments by infusing them with this accessible tool.

Through countless stories and research, Ms. Norville shows the amazing benefit of respect on all kinds of relationships: parents with children, husbands and wives, peer relationships at school, teachers and students, supervisors and employees all the while making certain to mention one of the most important relationships needing respect— relationship with oneself, i.e. self-respect.

Especially insightful for me were the practical, real-life examples from businesses that have “respecting others” as one of their core values and how that has caused their business to flourish and grow. As my husband and I seek to build a business in a culture where everyone looks out entirely for their own interest, this was a powerful reminder of how to sustain lasting client relationships as well as having long-standing faithful employees that are motivated because they feel well-respected and valued.

Chapters:
1: The Most Forgotten Element of Success (The Power of Respect)
2: It All Starts At Home (The Power of Respect at Home)
3: The Glue That Keeps Us Together (The Power of Respect in Relationships)
4: Taming the Blackboard Jungle (The Power of Respect at School)
5: The Best Business Tool—and It’s Free! (The Power of Respect in Business)
6: The Leadership Magnet (The Power of Respect for Leaders)
7: It’s on the Inside (The Power of Self-Respect)

Fresh, practical, well-researched, straightforward and inspiring, The Power of Respect is filled with take-away tips that can be followed by anyone who is desiring to affect change in their personal life, relationships and work environment.

As a quick and refreshing read, you will be encouraged to apply the powerful tool of respect and to put it to the test in your relationships.